Major Regional Water Conference Features Activities for East Tennesseans, Water Professionals

Public invited to free Water for Life event Sunday, July 17, which features water-related activities and competitions

More than 1,500 water professionals will gather at the Knoxville Convention Center July 17-20 for the Water Professionals Conference, which serves as a chance to learn and network about water issues affecting the customers and communities they serve. The conference is one of the largest annual conferences for water professionals in Kentucky and Tennessee.

             As part of the conference, East Tennessee residents of all ages are invited to Water for Life, which takes place Sunday, July 17, from 2 to 5 p.m. on the World’s Fair Park Festival Lawn. This inspirational event dedicated to water quality will teach guests about water issues and conservation through interactive exhibits, activities and other learning opportunities.

           Water for Life will feature more than 35 educational booths, games, an inflatable slide, an aquarium featuring Tennessee River fish species, the People’s Choice Water Tasting Competition and much more. Kids will be able to make beaded water-cycle bracelets, play “bacteria” bean bag toss, filter their own water and collect stamps in their Water for Life passports that give them chances to win prizes. The event also represents an opportunity for Boy and Girl Scouts to work toward various merit badges, including Environmental Science, Plumbing, Animal Habitats and more.

         “High-quality water is essential to our daily lives and to the vitality of our communities, and all of us in the utility industry take that responsibility very seriously,” said Knoxville Utilities Board President and CEO Mintha Roach. “But everyone has a role to play in keeping our water safe. Through education and better understanding of the challenges we face, our communities can help us ensure this important resource is available for many generations to come.”

         “Water is the most fundamental building block for any strong community’s health, welfare and economic viability,” said Bruce Giles, general manager of First Utility District of Knox County. “It is important that we continue to educate our communities about the value of water and the services that water purveyors provide, so there is a better understanding of this resource and what steps must be taken to insure the availability of water for not only the present but future generations.”

          Many area organizations and utilities providers are participating. Knoxville Utilities Board will showcase a sewage cleaning truck, the Knoxville Zoo is bringing animals, Knox ProCorps is holding a water race and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will display a wildlife exhibit.

          “We are eager to participate in the conference – and in this special event – alongside utilities providers and water professionals from throughout our region,” Roach said. “Bringing so many great minds into one room is an inspiring experience, and we’re honored Knoxville was chosen to host this year’s event.”

          For more information about the Water Professionals Conference, visit www.kytnwpc.org. People interested in learning more about Water for Life can search for “Water for Life” on Facebook.

About the sponsoring organizations

The 2016 Kentucky-Tennessee Water Professionals Conference is co-sponsored by the Kentucky/Tennessee Section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Kentucky-Tennessee Water Environment Association (WEA). This year’s host utilities include: Knoxville Utilities Board, First Utility District of Knox County, City of Alcoa, and Harriman Utility Board.

Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most important resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life. The Kentucky/Tennessee Section of AWWA is one of 43 AWWA sections.

WEA is one of 80 member associations of the Water Environment Federation (WEF), a not-for-profit technical and educational organization representing water quality professionals throughout the world and working to preserve and enhance the global water environment, including wastewater and stormwater services.

Both AWWA and WEF work to provide water quality professionals around the world with education, training and business opportunities.

Water For Life